Wakatobi National Park is underwater park in Indonesia. With an area of about 1.39 million hectares, Wakatobi National Park has the potential of marine natural resources of great value, both the type and uniqueness, which presents a panorama of stunning underwater. In general, the waters have started from a flat configuration, sloping towards the sea, and steep bertubir. Varying water depths up to 1044 meters with most of the sandy bottom and rocky. The park consists of four major islands, namely-scented fragrance, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko located in Wakatobi, Southeast Sulawesi. The potential of marine natural resources and high value Idah underwater panorama that makes Wakatobi National Park was nominated to the UNESCO to be one of the World Heritage Site.
In 1994, several people joined in the IPB team conducted a survey in Wakatobi. From the results of a survey they did was revealed, that in the Wakatobi there is a wide range of subsea natural resources, such as coral reefs and various marine animals. Because it has a natural wealth under the sea, the region presents a panorama of the sea that is so charming and wonderful as a place to dive. After carefully studying the results of IPB team's findings, the Minister of Forestry in 1996 issued a decree that sets No.393/Kpts-V/1996 Wakatobi national park.
In 1994, several people joined in the IPB team conducted a survey in Wakatobi. From the results of a survey they did was revealed, that in the Wakatobi there is a wide range of subsea natural resources, such as coral reefs and various marine animals. Because it has a natural wealth under the sea, the region presents a panorama of the sea that is so charming and wonderful as a place to dive. After carefully studying the results of IPB team's findings, the Minister of Forestry in 1996 issued a decree that sets No.393/Kpts-V/1996 Wakatobi national park.
In the garden there are panoramic beauty of the underwater world with 25 pieces of coral reef. Coral reef can be found approximately 112 species from 13 families, located at 25 points along the 600 km coastline. The types of corals are:
- Acropora formosa
- Hyacinthus
- Psammocora profundasafla
- Pavona cactus
- Leptoseris yabei
- Fungia molucensis
- Lobophyllia robusta
- Merulina ampliata
- Platygyra versifora
- Euphyllia glabrescens
- Tubastraea frondes
- Stylophora pistillata
- Sarcophyton throchelliophorum
- Sinularia spp.
In addition to the beauty that is served by a wide range of coral reef, the park also has a variety of fish species. Fish species richness of this national park which is owned as many as 93 species of food fish and ornamental fish trade include:
- Argus Spot (Cephalopholus argus)
- Takhasang (Naso unicornis)
- Pogo-pogo (Balistoides viridescens)
- Napoleon fish (wrasse undulatus)
- Red fish (Lutjanus biguttatus)
- Rabbitfish (Siganus guttatus)
- Amphiprion melanopus
- Chaetodon specullum
- Chelmon rostratus
- Heniochus acuminatus
- Lutjanus monostigma
- Caesio caerularea
